October 22: Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God
Dear brothers and sisters, today’s readings invite us to reflect on a profound question: How do we navigate the dual responsibilities we have as Christians living in this world? The Word of God provides us with valuable insights on our obligations to both Caesar and, more importantly, to God.
In the first reading, we encounter a passage from the Book of Isaiah that might initially seem unrelated to the theme of the Gospel. It speaks of Cyrus, a pagan king anointed by God to serve His purposes. What’s significant here is the idea that God can work through even the most unlikely individuals for the fulfillment of His divine plan. This suggests that while we may have obligations to earthly authorities, our primary loyalty must always be to God, who can use even secular rulers for His greater design.
In the second reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, we hear about the faith and love of the early Christians in Thessalonica. These Christians embodied the message of Jesus and proclaimed the Gospel not only in words but also through their actions. Their works of faith, labor of love, and endurance in hope serve as a model for us. It reminds us that our faith should always be active, translating into tangible expressions of love, charity, and service in our communities.
And then we turn to the Gospel, where Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and the Herodians, who are trying to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They present a question that seems to have no correct answer. If Jesus says that it’s lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, He may be seen as collaborating with the oppressive Roman regime. If He says it’s not lawful, He could be seen as a rebel against the Roman authorities. But, as always, Jesus doesn’t fall into their trap. He takes their cunning question and leads us to a profound truth: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
This statement calls for a deeper reflection on our Christian duty. As Christians, we must honor our civic responsibilities, including paying taxes and obeying just laws. We should respect the secular authorities as long as their commands do not conflict with our obligations to God. However, the profound message is that our primary allegiance is to God. Just as Caesar’s image is imprinted on the coin, we bear the image of God. Our entire existence belongs to Him.
So, how do we balance these dual responsibilities? How do we give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s? It’s important to understand that the sphere of our Christian responsibilities is not limited to one hour on Sunday or the confines of a church building. Our faith and commitment to God should permeate every aspect of our lives.
We are called to live out our faith through our work, our families, our communities, and our relationships. It’s not enough to offer lip service to God while our actions and behaviors contradict our beliefs. We must remember that our faith should manifest in the way we interact with others, the love and charity we show to the less fortunate, and the forgiveness we extend to those who have wronged us. In essence, to repay to God what belongs to God, we must love God above all else, keep His commandments, and seek His will in all that we do. We must remember that our ultimate citizenship is not of this world but in the Kingdom of God.
As we continue our journey of faith, let’s take these lessons from today’s readings to heart. In our roles as citizens of our countries and as disciples of Christ, may we navigate the challenges, responsibilities, and decisions of life with faith, love, and hope, always acknowledging God’s image imprinted upon our hearts. When we face difficult choices, we should seek guidance in prayer, making sure that our decisions align with God’s will and bring glory to His name.
Ultimately, living our faith authentically and making choices in line with our Christian values is the best way to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.
Vietnamese Mass Homily
October 15: Many are invited, but few are chosen
Dear brothers and sisters, today’s readings invite us to reflect on a banquet, a feast of unimaginable richness and significance. In the first reading from the book of Isaiah, we hear of a divine promise. God, in His eternal wisdom and mercy, extends an invitation to a great banquet, not just for a select few but for all peoples. This divine feast is symbolic of the kingdom of heaven, and it’s open to everyone, without distinction. The rich food and choice wines are symbols of God’s abundant grace, His blessings, and His love.
Isaiah’s vision brings hope and comfort. He speaks of a day when God will destroy the veil that shrouds all peoples, removing the web that divides nations. In this glorious moment, God will wipe away every tear, and the reproach of His people will vanish. On that day, we will declare with joy, “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!” The hand of the Lord will rest upon us, providing the ultimate source of comfort and security.
The second reading, from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, gives us insight into Paul’s remarkable ability to find contentment in every circumstance. Whether he had plenty or lived in need, he knew the secret of being well-fed or going hungry. His strength came from Christ, who empowered him to endure all things. Paul’s message is clear: it’s not about our circumstances but our reliance on Christ that brings contentment and peace.
And now, we come to the Gospel parable from Matthew. Jesus tells the story of a king who prepares a great wedding feast for his son. He sends out invitations to those initially chosen, but they refuse to come. Some are too preoccupied with their worldly pursuits, while others mistreat the king’s servants. Their response to the invitation reveals their unworthiness.
In response, the king extends the invitation to the unexpected, the “bad and good alike,” gathering guests from the main roads. This act of inclusion demonstrates God’s lavish grace, reaching out to all, regardless of their past. The banquet hall is filled with guests who are ready to receive the king’s generosity.
However, there’s a twist in the story. Among the guests, the king notices a man not wearing a wedding garment. The wedding garment symbolizes the interior disposition of the guests, their readiness to accept God’s invitation. The man without the proper attire represents those who may accept the invitation but fail to prepare their hearts. For this guest, there are consequences—being cast into the darkness.
What can we learn from these readings?
First, God extends an open invitation to His kingdom, but we must respond with hearts prepared to receive Him. We are called to be clothed in righteousness, to be spiritually dressed for the feast.
Second, like St. Paul, we should find contentment not in material abundance but in our relationship with Christ, who strengthens us in all circumstances.
Lastly, the parable reminds us that God’s mercy is offered to all, but we must respond and be properly attired in holiness and humility. As we gather here today, we are invited to the divine banquet—the Eucharist. This is where we meet Christ, our Bridegroom, and where we are clothed with His grace. We come to the Lord’s table not as mere guests but as His chosen ones, ready to be transformed by His love.
Let us examine our hearts. Are we prepared for this banquet? Are we clothed in humility, love, and righteousness? The feast is set, and God’s invitation is before us. Let us accept it with joy, for “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”
May the grace of this Eucharistic feast empower us to live our lives as a response to God’s boundless love, content in all circumstances, and always dressed in the robe of righteousness.
